Chapter 10
Raeven had a good laugh at the news when he first read it.
"Prince Barbro is engaged in a fearsome battle that is now a stalemate, against two massive skeletal dragons. The mighty prince and his courageous men are building a strong wall to hold off the dragons from invading Re-Estize."
It was ridiculously well worded, when what he meant to say was, he's in trouble and needs help fighting skeletal dragons. But commoners probably wouldn't see it that way. Ah the art of public relations.
Raeven had a different set of problems. The northern states had not marched any army against the kingdom, or formally organised themselves, so attacking them as it is will surely cause them to rebel. So far, his spies report that there were just various discussions and meetings on tackling the famine that they faced, perhaps some towns taking up arms but none daring to act without the rest of the north moving together, and grumblings on why the southern nobles are so reluctant to assist their fellow countrymen. Preventing this rebellion, required subtlety and a gentle hand, to soothe the anger of the north.
Raeven had gotten his dominion to transport some extra food stockpiles to the north, but the amount he had would not stop the famine outright. However, it should delay the onset of starvation by a week or two, depending on how much is lost along the way. The north was home to hardy, somewhat neglected folk, and their approach to food reflects it. In desperation they would do whatever it takes to survive. The colder weathers necessitate it, and perhaps they would survive on horsemilk and whatever native animals they could hunt for meat.
Still, if nothing was done, a rebellion will happen. The north had held long simmering grudges against the south for long, but did nothing out of respect for the king. Though with starvation and the nobles reluctance to assist, rebellion seemed to him is just waiting around the corner.
Erik Devail, is one of the few key individuals in this plot, and perhaps the most reasonable of them. And if Raeven wanted to prevent a rebellion, he would need to get him on his side. He'd met him once, when the King made a trip to the north during the short skirmishes against the blue snow orcs that live on the tundra many years ago. Raeven remembered him as a reserved but capable warrior, and once asked him to join his men. But the death of his father meant Erik had higher callings, and a domain to administer.
It was important he met him personally, to hold this country together. So Raeven left the capital with a group of adventurers and guards, a relatively small group of about a hundred men.
The invasion of Necropolis had stalled. With news spreading that Prince Barbro and Marquis Boullope is summoning help from across the land, the opportunity to rise up had presented itself. With Boullope and Barbro's army preoccupied with the campaign against the elf town, the town chiefs and other nobles gathered at Kest Estree once more.
Erik, was visibly stressed, and his eyes showed it. He didn't expect the chance to come so quickly, and so suddenly. He had hoped that the war of the empire come spring would be when they had to decide, and he also hoped his compatriots' burning anger had subsided by then. War was something that he hoped to avoid.
"This is our chance. The king won't be able to push their full strength against us when the threat of two skeletal dragons and that elven nation remains."
"Aren't we being opportunistic, by stabbing the king when he is weak?" It was a metaphor, that one of the nobles used. "The country faces the threat of the undead, and instead of assisting the country, we rise up against it!"
"We had enough of the great noble's whims. Many of our good young men sent on silly projects, and nothing for ourselves!"
"Guys, calm down." Erik yelled. He wanted some time off. "We shouldn't rush into this. We have not solved our food problem by rising up against the King."
"But we should, Erik! Prince Barbro and Boullope is summoning more forces from through the country to join their battle against the skeletal dragons! If not now, then when?"
"We'd still be hungry if we fought this war."
"I'd rather be hungry and free, than hungry and enslaved."
"Captain, this is not the time to be arguing ideals. If we lose, we'd all lose our heads."
"We won't. The dragons won't go down so easily. I've heard from some of the fleeing conscripts that they had bones that glowed in the sunlight, and did not suffer much burn damage from the flaming arrows. This expedition by the Prince will take up a lot of men, if they want to win."
"Captain." Erik tried to calm the former army captain.
"Erik! This is our chance. If we get all the northern cities to send some men to the 4 mountain passes, and everyone else to the Re-Fanta plains, we would have a strong defensive position."
"And what are we going to do once Boullope's invasion is over?"
"We'll fight, Erik. All of us will." The Captain and another minor chief said. "Even if we die afterwards."
"This isn't how it should go, Captain. Let's not throw our lives at a plan that won't lead us anywhere."
"Erik. It'll work. We just have to figure it out along the way. Maybe we can even borrow a skeletal dragon or two."
"You're out of your mind, captain."
"No, I'm serious. The enemy of my enemy is my friend!"
"Captain."
Erik was really stressed. But the captain had a point. An envoy to the elf town might be a good idea.
"It seems our fears were correct, your majesty. Ainz Ooal Gown is more powerful than they've expected."
"Gazef. I'll need your help to diffuse the situation. Ask what Ainz Ooal Gown would want, for peace. All out war would be no good for any of us." The King commanded, he looked visibly upset at how badly it went. But Gazef knew he was relieved that Barbro still lived.
Gazef bowed. "I'll do my best, and depart tonight on our fastest horses."
"Come back safely."
Gazef left, and went home to gather some supplies for the trip. And he saw Brain resting in the living room.
"Brain. I'm leaving tonight."
"You don't look too good."
"Remember I once told you I've met a very strong man? I'm going to see him, and I'm going to leave tonight."
Brain stared for a while at Gazef, trying to guess his intentions.
"Let me go with you."
"I'm afraid not, I'd put you in too much risk."
"You underestimate me, Gazef?"
"I don't mean to. But…"
"Gazef, just shut it, and let me go."
"Fine. Get ready and we leave at nightfall. Tell no one."
Brain laughed. "Tell no one? You planned on having me come with you, didn't you?"
"It's a lonely trip."
Gazef smiled, and they both left to pack. It took about an hour, but they met at the living room again with a small bag each, and soon left for the army stables.
They got onto their fastest horses, and rode out in the night. With those horses, they could reach Necropolis in three days, instead of the two weeks it takes for a marching army.
The former campsite was wrecked. The two skeletal dragons, patrolled the area, stomping through anything there without a care. It's a campsite built between forests, next to a small stream for water. Now though, the river is bloody, and bodies were scattered everywhere, all bearing the crushing destruction brought by the two dragons.
"Gather the bodies and the bones."
"Yes, Emperor Ainz." The fifty plus elves that Ainz brought spread out and collected the corpses and bodies of those killed, and dragged them to an empty clearing, and piled them on top of one another. It was hard work, but if their lord commanded it, they will do so.
It took a whole day, but very soon all of them were piled up, almost 2,000 bodies.
[Store Corpses]
Ainz pointed his staff at the pile of bodies and all of them started to glow. And then they vanished. Using the store corpse ability, Ainz could unstore them to create undead some other day. Having corpses at his disposal is quite useful as a necromancer.
Ainz looked at his two skeletal dragons, and admired their large form. He was tempted to use the bodies gathered to summon another one, but then decided against it.
"Ainz-sama. The wraiths spot two riders coming towards us at high speeds."
"Oh?" Ainz thought for a while, and smiled at Albedo. "Let them come. Everyone else fall back to Necropolis."
An hour later, the sun was almost setting. The campsite has been cleared of all weapons and armor, that will be reused by the elves for their defense. The elves too, had retreated back to the city. Salvaging weapons was Albedo's idea, and it made sense since Necropolis's blacksmith is not able to supply a large quantity of weapons yet.
Now, they were waiting for their guests. Albedo summoned a maid to bring over a set of chairs and a coffee table, with a large umbrella for them to wait. Only Albedo, Ainz, and the two dragons remain. Albedo sat on the chair, enjoying a cup of tea whilst Ainz read a complicated sounding book.
And their guests arrived as expected.
"I somehow expected to see you, Gazef." Ainz rose from his sturdy chair.
The two horses slowed down, and eventually stopped, about 200 meters away from the two dragons and Ainz.
Brain Unglaus, experienced a flashback of the feeling he felt when he faced Shalltear, only worse. Ainz's Despair Aura radiated from his massive form like a massive hydra, far larger than his actual physical body, and it reached out like a tentacle, almost grazing him.
It was thoroughly intimidating, but he remembered Sebas's word, and looked at Gazef. And somehow he found comfort in the Warrior Captain's unflinching, stern face.
"Indeed, Ainz-san. I've wished we met on far more pleasant circumstances."
"I believe it's pleasant enough as it is." The sun was gentle, the sky washed orange.
Ainz's aura subsided somewhat.
"So, why are you here?"
Gazef dismounted, and so did Brain.
"I'm here to negotiate, Ainz-san."
"I see. I was prepared for assassins instead. If you really mean to negotiate, then this battlefield is not a suitable place for discussions."
"Yes, we are serious. I'm sent personally by the king, and we mean to negotiate." Gazef dropped his sword on the ground.
"Ah, you don't have to do so." Ainz raised his two hands, his body language suggesting that the sword wouldn't harm him anyway.
Ainz walked closer to the two humans, and Brain instinctively reached for his weapon. Perhaps it was fear, in control. He gripped it hard, his palms sweaty. Gazef noticed, and tapped Brain, to signal him to stand down.
They were almost 2 meters away from each other.
"Let's go somewhere a bit more pleasant."
[Greater Teleportation]
A magical ring appeared around Albedo, Ainz and the two men, and it teleported them into the center of Necropolis.
"Welcome to Necropolis, Gazef." Ainz said, his arms wide.
Gazef and Brain was a little nervous, having teleported to a new place. But he found his composure quickly.
"Thank you. I've not yet introduced my companion. This is Brain Unglaus, a friend of mine."
Brain gave an awkward bow, he was obviously unaccustomed to formalities.
"I see. I'm Ainz Ooal Gown. This is Albedo, Overseer of the Guardians."
Ainz and Albedo then brought them into the manor that served as Ainz's office, and sat them in the meeting room.
"So, what exactly do you want to negotiate? Speak quickly." Albedo added.
"Peace. We, the Kingdom of Re-Estize, would like to coexist with you."
"That's a tempting offer, Gazef. But it's surely strange for that offer to come. Your countrymen just tried to attack us. With 20,000 men."
"I apologise for that, on behalf of the king as well. There were… political forces at work, that forced our hand."
"I believe you've passed the wall that your Prince is building as well? What's the meaning of that?" Ainz continued.
"Yes, but with the two skeletal dragons, the walls would crumble easily. Surely someone as powerful as Ainz-san wouldn't be so easily stopped by a flimsy wall."
Ainz laughed. Somehow the laugh came out very villainy. It vibrated in the meeting room like the cliched villain laughing as they revealed their not-so-secret plans. Albedo smiled too, appreciating Gazef's brutal honesty.
"You're a smart one, Gazef. Ever thought of working for me?"
"I'm afraid I have to decline, Ainz-san. My loyalty to the king is absolute."
Brain, who was also in the meeting, found it strange that Gazef could hold such a relaxed conversation with the fearsome undead lich before them. It's surely a strange feeling.
"Anyway back on topic. Peace, you say?"
"Yes, we would like to have peace, with this new country of yours." Gazef repeated himself.
"I would not take peace, Gazef. Not when your prince tries to blockade us, and your noble is gathering adventurers to attack us again."
"Your network of informants is quite vast, Ainz-san. And so, please allow me to be truthful. There are factions in our country jostling for power, and some of them would not accept peace. It is this faction that now strives to attack you, and claim the victory to strengthen their position in the country. My king has his hands tied by these factions, and the foolish prince is attempting to convince the country he is worthy of kingship."
"Ah. So it's unfortunate for them, in their quest for position, that I'm putting up greater resistance than expected, then." Ainz leaned back on his chair. "Tell me honestly then, do you like this prince?"
Gazef could not answer. It would be treachery if he did speak his mind.
"Your silence tells us enough."
"Marquis Boullope and Prince Barbro would attempt to attack again. It is an act born of their arrogance, and does not reflect the will of our king. I hope you are merciful and wise to see that we do want to live peacefully. War, is no good for us." Gazef tried to sidestep the question.
"Human, are you trying to ask our great Ainz-sama to consider these belligerents as independent actors?" Albedo chimed in.
Gazef was silent. The winged lady had hit the point.
"Yes. And we'd hope you'll be merciful and spare the noble and the prince."
Brain couldn't quite understand what he just heard. Gazef was begging for mercy?
Ainz laughed.
"Very well! I will treat them gently. And I am a friendly person after all. So here's my terms if you want a ceasefire, after I crush these 'independents'. It's a ceasefire, not peace, yet. So, take this back to your king. We want full recognition as a nation, our territories will be clearly drawn and marked, unrestricted trade rights, an annual tribute of 20 of your fastest horses, your country is also to release all the demi-human slaves in the nearby nations and send them to us, and… " Ainz looked over to Albedo. "Erm.. Albedo, any more?"
Albedo smiled. "Perhaps these two men can represent us in the upcoming games?"
Ainz laughed, "Great idea. And the two of you to represent Necropolis is a little event we are having."
Gazef and Brain suddenly wondered what this little 'game' that they were talking about.
Ainz though looked reasonably cheerful. "What do you think?"
"We'll need to let the king know of the terms. But it sounds… reasonable to me."
"Alright, call the elf scribe to come over and write down our terms, and pass that document to Gazef, so he can present it to his king." Such a corporate thing to do, writing down documents and sending it as a formal proposal to their bosses.
An old elf walked in, with a large beautiful parchment, and Ainz repeated the terms as he said it. The elf then furiously attacked the parchment with his ink pen. In about 15 minutes, the terms has been written, and presented to Ainz and Albedo for their verification.
AInz put on his special reading glasses, and read through the terms again.
"Great." Then he paused, and turned to Albedo. "I think we do not have a seal for Necropolis, yet."
Albedo blushed. "Oh my. You're right! We do have the seal for Nazarick though."
"Never mind. Gazef, could you take this as it is, for now."
"It'll do."
"Should your king accept it, we will reproduce two copies, and have them sealed with both our country's seal. That can happen later."
Albedo made a mental note to start working on the official Necropolis seal and insignia later. Ainz handed the document to Gazef, and noticed that it's already quite late.
"It's late. Perhaps you should have some rest at one of our new inns. We've just built them for the merchants."
"Oh, that's thoughtful of you. We'll take our leave, then. May we have peace someday, Ainz-san."
"I hope so too. But that'll depend on you and your king, Gazef."
Albedo then ordered an elven maid to bring them to the new inn, and the two human warriors followed.
After the two humans left, Albedo asked.
"Ainz-sama. We can crush them, no?"
"Yes, but flinging out military might everywhere isn't going to make us right."
"Ah..."
"It's often better to coerce some favors out of these humans."
"So wise of you, Ainz-sama."
"Gazef."
"Yes, Brain?"
"Will the king accept those terms?"
"He will. It's not exactly terrible terms. It's the nobles that I'm worried of. To accept such terms when Prince Barbro and Marquis Boullope had begun a war would be a slap to their faces, and they won't take it lightly."
"So, that's why you asked them to be merciful?"
"No. I'm afraid they will only understand why we have to accept those terms, when they go to war again... And lose really badly."
"Since when did you've become such a political animal." Brain joked, whilst fiddling with a wooden cup.
"The king confides his thoughts often. I learn some of these things along the way."
Brain laughed and the mood became less serious. The room they were in were reasonably well furnished, and had two comfortable single beds. Sufficient for them two. Brain placed his head on the soft new pillow.
"He's a lot scarier than Shalltear."
"Yes. He radiates an incredible power. But he's reasonable, and honorable. That's why I know he can be reasoned with, and so I proposed a negotiation to the King."
"That's true. Well, we'll have to head back tomorrow early, and let the king know of the terms, then."
"Yes. I'm more worried about Marquis Boullope. I'll need to get the king to talk to him."
The Marquis's men had regrouped in a small town of Calari, home to some 20,000 people. So a large group like the marquis was easily noticed, and felt. There were not enough accommodation, that camps were perched outside the town walls.
The Marquis's inner circle of army advisers had sent out mails to all nearby adventurer guilds, requesting for all their experienced adventurers to assist in the upcoming battle against the skeletal dragons. Equipments were being shipped from his domain to re-equip his men for combat against monsters.
It's not an invasion, but more of a monster slaying trip. And the arms had to reflect that.
The entire revamp of the forces were handled by Marquis's captains, a group of capable warriors in their own right. Additional troops from Boullope's domain was also called in. If he wanted to be the puppetmaster behind the King, he could not fail. And so Blumlash and Lytton too sent over some of their experienced men to assist.
Boullope himself though, was drowning himself in alcohol. He was upset, and he needed to let off his frustration.
"Stupid… stupid… elves."
Prince Barbro was back in the capital.
Quietly. Without any fanfare, the prince swiftly went through the city and into the castle. Perhaps he was afraid. Or maybe he was ashamed at how spectacularly he had failed.
"Oh, Barbro. Back so soon?" One of the people Barbro didn't want to see in that hallway. His own sister.
"Oh. Renner. When are you getting married to some noble?" Barbro had offered Renner up to some nobles in exchange for their support.
"Maybe after you become king."
"It won't be long, then."
"Oh really?" Renner flashed a wide smile, and then walked off. "Good luck then."
Princess Renner walked away to gardens, her mood joyous. Prince Barbro on the other hand, was in a foul mood. But he had come back to see the King, to convince him that he had not failed. If he wanted to be king, he could not let his brother stab and whisper bad things about him while he is away.
The oracle's house is a simple, unassuming place in the capital. A small shophouse, where the floor below is home to a tailor, and a stairway at the side to the home.
Princess Renner had come here often in the past, for some insight into the future. But today, it was not the princess that came.
"I thought you weren't a believer of oracles."
"I am not. But we're out of options." Evileye replied. "We need you to find Lakyus."
"I see…"
The oracle, an old lady with wrinkled skin, sat down, and then motioned to rest of the Blue Rose to sit down. The room they were in is thinly decorated. A simple painting of a flower hung on the wall, and a small pot of another flower on a coffee table.
They say around a round table, barely enough to fit the five of them. And the oracle brought out a box, and a bowl of water.
"A drop of your blood, please."
Gagaran made a small cut on her finger, and a small drop fell into the bowl.
"If Lakyus is what you truly seek, may the bowl of seeking reveal where she is…"
The drop of blood glowed in the bowl, and it spread to fill the entirety of the bowl.
"Now, all of you, touch the bowl. You'll get visions of her, if she lives." They all touched the bowl with a finger. And they all had a flash of images in their eyes, flickering through like a roll of film. They faintly saw an image of Lakyus in chains, and then it zoomed out. It changed into the image of a ruin. And then some images of a river, and some cities.
And then they saw Lakyus again, in chains. But this time the chains wrapped around her like a mummy. Then they saw an image of a huge demon, with two big squirrel-like front teeth, staring at them with glowing red eyes. The silhoutte of the demon seemed have a massive scythe at the back.
'HeLloOooo.." It spoke. They all felt genuine hostility and malice radiate from the demon, and it overwhelmed them.
All of them instinctively pulled their hands away from the bowl.
"What was that!" All of them looked like they were sweating, except for Evileye.
"It seems whoever we are looking for, knows we are looking for her." Evileye added.
"That, is way too scary." Tia said. Tina nodded.
"Could it be Kirineiram?" Gagaran pondered.
Evileye though, was eerily silent. She recognised the ruins. She's been there. "It's the ruins of one of the old forgotten gods. One built and destroyed long before the six gods came to this world."
"Is that an indication where it is?"
"The bowl is never that accurate. It suggests a proximity, though." The Oracle advised, adjusting the bowl slightly..
"Better than nothing." Tia added. "We should head there. We need to save her."
"Anyway, let's think through this."
Gagaran took up some silver and gold coins, and passed them to the oracle. "Thank you for your help." The Blue rose then left the room, and out into the city streets.
"Do you think we should head there?"
"It's a week's journey south, and then probably another week there to hike up those snow capped mountains. It's at the Slane Theocracy's border." Evileye added. "It's up in that chain of very tall mountains."
"I've heard of it, but I've never been there."
"It's really far."
"We should get our supplies ready. We may need help."
Evileye was worried about the kind of opponent they were facing. It seemed to her, the opponent is probably at least the level of the thirteen heroes, or higher. They needed to be very well armed, and ready for surprises. Their opponents could even set traps and split them up, just as how they captured Lakyus in the first place.
Tina was a bit happy though.
"At least we know she's alive."
"You know, that's a good question. Why is she alive?"
"HUH?"
"The person who could capture her is definitely stronger than Lakyus. So, why would she be alive? They must want something from her."
"Don't confuse me. We just need to save her." Gagaran added.
Kest Estree.
Raeven had not been to this small town, and as he surveyed the citizens, they all look slim. The children were lean, and so were the old. Though Kest Estree was spared by the granary fires, its' people have just about enough to eat, and no more.
It's quite different from the capital, where people are a lot more wasteful and exuberant.
A few streets later, they were outside the Devail manor.
"Lord Erik. It's a pleasure to meet you again."
Erik was flustered, he was unprepared for a meeting with Raeven at all. Not so soon after an earlier meeting with the chiefs.
"Ah.. yes. Please, have a seat. My good servant, could you please get some tea and light snacks for the Marquis?"
"Only the tea will do."
Erik was casually dressed, and if he walked on the street, a casual observer could not tell he is of the nobility. A far cry from the Raeven Erik remembered, in his fine clothing and armor.
"So…"
"I've arranged for some of my extra food stockpiles to be delivered to the north."
Quick. Raeven wasn't one to hesitate getting to the point if he sees merit in it.
"Oh, thank you. It would help us greatly. You must be the first noble to assist us."
"I've heard some fascinating rumors, and I'd like to hear more from the nobles themselves."
Rumours, huh.
"Oh. You mean about the intention to rebel by the northern cities?" There really was no point hiding it from Raeven. The fact that he is here, means he knows.
"Ah, yes. That one. Is there any truth to it?"
"Yes." He said it. He admitted he intends to rebel before one of the six great nobles.
The atmosphere got tense, and Erik's guards held their arms tightly. Raeven's retired adventurers too looked at the Marquis intensely, ready to reach for their weapons. It seemed like the room had transformed into a powderkeg, waiting for the flint to set off an explosion. Erik himself, reached for the knife hidden underneath the table. A drop of sweat rolled down his head.
All of the guards and adventurers mentally simulated how the fight would go.
The maid at the door quickly left the room, sensing danger.
They all were quiet.
The guards gulped.
So did the adventurers.
They stared at each other, waiting.
All it takes, is a for the signal to go. And swords and spears will fly.
Raeven looked at Erik, and Erik stared back. Erik was tense, rather visibly.
"Stand down." Marquis Raeven instructed.
Erik's grip of his weapon loosened a little.
"We're not here to arrest you." He looked at his adventurers, and said, "You guys stand down too."
And the adventurers relaxed their stance a little.
"Erik. Let's talk. Just the two of us. All of you, can you leave us?" Erik nodded at Raeven's suggestion, and instructed the guards to leave as well.
The room was empty, and the two nobles remain.
"Erik. I understand the pain the north feels. But rebelling isn't going to resolve this problem."
"The central nobles has oppressed us enough. We've given you our men for your silly wars, we've given you our produce and ores. And what do we get?"
"Erik. I understand the north has been neglected. But this is a pointless war. It just results in death, and we both want to avoid losing our people over silly matters. Food is a problem the noth faces, but I can help, and I will get the others to help."
They both stood, and Raeven walked to stand closer to Erik.
"We can work out some kind of alternative, instead of outright rebellion."
Erik looked at Raeven in the eye.
"What are you suggesting?"
"Partial autonomy. We won't demand your men or resources for 3 years. And the kingdom will send you enough food for the winter. And representation in the central committee, so the north gets a word in for national decisions."
Erik rubbed his chin. Those were good offers, and a peaceful resolution indeed. "The king and the nobles will agree to that?"
"Maybe. Maybe not. But it's better to try a peaceful solution, than going to war, no?"
"The north has the advantage, now. The country is occupied with the elves and the skeletal dragons. You won't be able to invade us, and won't be able to successfully crush us."
"The war against Necropolis won't last forever. Once that is over, the country will turn its sight on the north, and we'll have another bloody war again. You're just delaying the eventual crushing of the rebellion by a year or two."
Erik sighed. Raeven was correct in terms of the eventuality of it. The only way he could secure their future, is if the skeletal dragons were willing to protect them. But Erik didn't place much hopes on that.
"You have a point, Marquis. But this is not my decision to make. I'll have to pass your proposal to the rest of the chiefs. We will have to collectively decide."
"I understand, Erik. Let me know in a week. I"ll head back to my domain to ensure the food deliveries get sent on time."
"Thank you."
End
Notes : Thanks for reading and reviewing :)